Organizations team up to offer free COVID-19 vaccines, administer more than 50 doses

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Some people are starting to change their minds about COVID-19 vaccines.

“I was kind of hesitant at first, being that the vaccine came out so quickly. I was kind of scared, thinking there might be some reactions,” Elizabeth Guinot said.

>>More on COVID-19 vaccine

With a little encouragement from her coworker, Guinot got her first dose of the vaccine at the Wellness on Wheels mobile vaccine bus on Wednesday.

Faye Woods said she’s been bothering Guinot for a while now to get the shot.

“I don’t want you to get sick, Lizzie. Can you get the vaccination? You need to get the vaccination. Girl, when are you going to get the vaccination?” Woods said.

Others getting their shots said they were never afraid; rather, they just didn’t have the time.

“I had COVID in January, but that doesn’t mean I’m completely safe, so I wanted to make sure that I’m covering myself and also protecting those around me,” said Melissa Kennedy.

Kennedy said she is a teacher and she’ll be heading back into the classroom next week.

“I’m a teacher, so starting next week I’ll be back in the schools and I just know that with the new delta variant, that there is a lot more risk,” Kennedy said.

The mobile vaccine bus offered free Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to anyone who wanted them. All you had to do was show up, get in line, and show a Florida ID.

“Regardless of what variant is going out there, we just want to make sure folks who need access to these vaccines have access. We don’t really have a goal in mind, we just want as many people to come as possible,” Jacksonville Transportation Authority Communications Director David Cawton said.

According to the Department of Health, 50% of people ages 12 and up are vaccinated in Duval County. That’s up from 47% at the start of the month.

Guinot encourages others to start seriously considering the shot.

“I know it’s a scary decision. I can’t force you to get it. I can’t tell you to get it, but I am telling you it’s time to really think about it,” Guinot said.

“Go get vaccinated so we can stop the spread,” Woods said.

LINK: FACT VS. FICTION: Who actually cannot get the vaccine vs. who should

The site closed at 5 p.m.

We’re told 59 doses of the vaccines (Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson) were administered on Wednesday.

JTA has its Wellness on Wheels buses out every day at the Gateway Transit Hub near the corner of West 44th Street and Norwood Avenue from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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